March 18, 2013
Alexander Nedd
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According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average person will have 12 different jobs in his or her lifetime.
It’s not uncommon for instructors to also work in industries related to their fields. Some instructors say this is a part of how experience is transferred to the classroom.
Trip Uhalt is one of those instructors. Working at UCCS since 2002, he is a lecturer teaching video production and TV production classes, in which he helps students learn various roles behind the camera.
He is also a part of the faculty at Pikes Peak Community College, where he teaches multimedia graphics and design, introduction to multimedia and design principles.
Furthermore, Uhalt is an instructor at Colorado Community College System online, where he teaches multimedia graphics and as well as design. He has been employed at those colleges since August 2008.
Some instructors are part-time and renew their contracts with the university every semester. This allows for them to teach at other universities, which some say benefits students.
“By hiring adjunct or part-time instructor[s], there are more [course] offerings during the day,” Uhalt said. “A lot of my colleges are night classes, 6-10 p.m. and extend the university day. It makes classes available for students during the night time.”
For Stacia Naquin, a lecturer in the communication department and KKTV 11 “News This Morning” co-anchor, she feels this helps her students and lesson plan.
“The more opportunities I have to teach, the better I am at teaching,” Naquin said. She teaches public speaking at PPCC and interpersonal communication at PPCC and UCCS. “I really enjoy working at both schools,” she said.
There are many factors that influence student’s beliefs for choosing a university, including cost, time and education offered.
“Different colleges have different needs,” Uhalt said.
Kimberly Brown, a nursing major, attends PPCC Rampart Range campus. “My professor teaches here and at UCCS. I can’t afford classes there right [now], but having her [teach] makes me feel comfortable that my transition to UCCS will be smooth,” Brown said.
“I think it makes them better teachers because they have a more extensive education background and makes them more valuable to the students,” said Arielle Eschbaugh, a communication major who studies digital film and media at UCCS.
Eschbaugh wouldn’t hesitate to switch if her class was offered elsewhere at a cheaper price, though. “It’s more cost effective,” she said.
Still, students are responsible for checking to see that their credits will transfer. “You have to be careful that your credits transfer,” Uhalt said.
“I’ve heard that students tried to take a cheaper class at the [another] university, and for whatever reason, it doesn’t work out.”
Uhalt mentioned the common course numbering system that helps students makes sure classes are transferred.
For instructors such as Uhalt, the multiple positions fulfill more areas besides filling his love to teach. “The extra income really does help, especially putting my kids through college,” he said.